Portland's Central Precinct's Neighborhood Response Team, in a recent mission, struck a blow to drug distribution in the city. According to the Portland Police Bureau, on the night of December 18, officers carried out a Drug Interdiction Mission focusing on Goose Hollow, Old Town, inner southeast, and the South Park Blocks as well as Northwest Johnson and Kearney from 14th to 16th Avenues.
The operation, well-coordinated by the bike squad among others, led to multiple arrests and drug seizures. The precinct's focused effort which has been ongoing for months, tallied up 4 separate warrant arrests, 2 separate cite-in-lieu warrant arrests, and a federal arrest for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and meth. Traffic stops resulted in 3 citations, while 2 individuals were deflected into support programs rather than being incarcerated. The haul included 176.6 grams of meth, 12.8 grams of fentanyl, and $710.10 in cash, as detailed by the Portland Police Bureau.
A pathway center for deflection provides another avenue for intervention. Since September 1, PPB has been transporting eligible individuals to the Pathway Center, which provides addiction services, supportive housing, and mental health care. Since the enactment of HB 4002, there's been an increase in the enforcement of drug crimes with the hope of reinstating safety and improving the quality of life in the affected areas.
